And now we know the reason for the delay: Liriano had broken his right humerus on Christmas Day while slamming himself into a door in an attempt to frighten his kids, who were in the next room. Liriano told reporters today the arm didn't seem to hurt too much at first. He was supposed to fly to Pittsburgh on Dec. 26, but he was eventually in such pain he told his wife he had to go to the hospital.

Liriano said he had to call his agent, Greg Genske, to tell him he couldn't travel to the United States to take his physical.

"At first he thought I was joking," Liriano said. "It was sad and disappointing a little bit. Things happen. I wish I could take it back."